Portable electrolyte tablets: What’s all the buzz about?
Posted December 16th, 2006 at 6:19 PM by Jonathan Faccone
Section: Nutrition, Hydration, Race Prep & Recov, Supplements
Since the advent of Gatorade, manufacturers have been in fierce competition to one-up each other with new and better ways to fuel athletes. This has created a very saturated market; one that features a plethora of choices for competitive athletes. As a result, athletes vary greatly, especially in the world of endurance sports, about which option they believe is the most effective.
One alternative that has begun to slowly, pick-up steam in the market is the electrolyte tablet. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding these portable tablets, such as Nuun and Zym, because they are quick and convenient mechanisms for obtaining vital replenishment of electrolytes and other vitamins.
The tablets come in a small container that resembles Airborne and quickly dissolve when added to 16-20oz. of water. There is a lot of potential for these tablets, especially among marathon runners, hikers and cyclists who could carry them on the go; adding them to their water bottles and/or hydration devices to obtain substantial quantities of sodium and potassium.
Another benefit is that they are virtually sugar-free and therefore won’t cause any cramping or bloating. Moreover, athletes could still use their favorite carbohydrate replenishment product (energy gels, etc.) and then receive an extra boost of electrolytes via the tablets.
Although the benefits of these products are quite obvious, they also seem like they might be unnecessary because so many sports drinks and energy gels now include excellent combinations of both electrolytes and carbohydrates. Some example include: Gatorade Endurance Formula, Accelerade, Powerbar Endurance and Amino Vital Endurance.
On the other hand, if tablet manufacturer’s could find a way to add complex carbohydrates to their products and also started packing them individually, they might be better equipped to successfully attack the market.
Regardless, the tablets are still a very versatile choice and it might be wise to carry them during training in the event that you decide to go longer/harder than previously planned. Another benefit is that they are effervescent so no mixing or shaking is required for the tablets to dissolve (unlike many sports drink powders). In addition, some of them contain substantial quantities of Vitamin B complex which can aid athletes by providing natural, energy stimulation.
The Final Sprint is currently doing a comparative review of Nuun and Zym, the two leading portable electrolyte tablets; we’ll keep you posted on our results.
Zym tablets currently only come in one flavor (lemon-lime) although they will be introducing another variety in 2007 that will include caffeine. They come in tubes that contain 10 tablets, each of which needs to be dissolved 20oz of water and provides 250mg of sodium, 50mg of potassium and substantial quantities of energy-boosting B-vitamins.
Nuun offers three flavors: lemon-lime, tri-berry, and citrus-fruit and is endorsed by professional triathletes Desiree Ficker and Mitch Anderson. Nuun packages 12 tablets in it’s tubes, each of which provides two servings. Each serving offers athletes 180mg of sodium, 50 mg of potassium, 250mcg of riboflavin and other vitamins/minerals.
Make sure to check back soon for comprehensive review. In the mean time, here are some sources fro further information:
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: accelerade, airborne, amino vital, amino vital endurance, carbohydrate energy gels, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, cycling, cyclist, effervescent, electrolyte replacement system, electrolyte tablets, electrolytes, endurance athletes, endurance events, endurance formula, gatorade, gatorade endurance formula, hikers, hiking, magnesium, nuun, portable electrolyte drink, potassium, powerbar, powerbar endurance, replenish, sodium, sports drinks, sports drinks, sugar, supplements, training, vitamin B, zym
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The Final Sprint
nuun is great! It’s effective, simple to use, and comes in a convenient – take it with you – waterproof tube. I’m a multisport athlete who has been using nuun for 3 years. Before discovering nuun, I used to drink plain water because all the energy drinks - loaded with sugars – I tried upset my stomach. As a result, keeping my electrolytes balanced during exercise was always a challenge. Now that I found nuun that has now sugars, I never get an upset stomach and simply drop a tablet/water bottle and go. It even tastes great so I end up drinking more which is always a good thing. Give it a try!
January 17th, 2007 at 11:17 pmPlease note that I am now (though I wasn’t when I first used it) a nuun sponsored adventure racer so you’ll have to make up your own mind about this product. But, since I use it all the time in some of the most demanding endurance conditions in the world, you might find my feedback helpful
I mean no sugar and not “now” sugars …
January 17th, 2007 at 11:43 pm[…] Nuun is a portable electrolyte tablet. The tablets come in a small container that resembles Airborne and quickly dissolve when added to 16-20oz. of water. They are also effervescent so no mixing or shaking is required for the tablets to dissolve (unlike many sports drink powders). Nuun offers three flavors: lemon-lime, tri-berry, and citrus-fruit and is endorsed by professional triathletes Desiree Ficker and Mitch Anderson. Nuun is also the sponsor of the Montreal running team. There are twelve tablets in each tube; each of which provide two servings. Each serving contains 180 mg of sodium, 50 mg of potassium, 250mcg of riboflavin and other vitamins/minerals. […]
January 19th, 2007 at 7:17 pmAs a runner, I prefer to drink Gatorade (or any sports drink). It’s amazing how great these products keep getting. They are convenient and taste great. However, this is my first time reading about Nuun and Zym. These products are great for races and when you’re on the go. I still think the best way to get these electrolytes is through food (banana, etc).
Proud owner of Eniva Vibe by Eniva blog.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:45 am